I know, I know, when the temperature drops and the Christmas decorations go up, every writes up a list of the “best” music from past 12 months. But hey, it’s fun to look back on the year (or the parts you remember) and reflect on the joyous tunes that got you through the dark winter, sweltering summer, and holidays with your family. This year, as I read through the multitude of other lists posted out there, I also notice how much music I’ve missed. Evidently, my theme for 2013 was to latch onto just handful of albums. I admit that I still have plenty of music from last year in heavy rotation. Even so, I decided throw together a little list of my own for your enjoyment while you’re finishing last-minute Christmas shopping (I wear a medium t-shirt, anything black). So here goes: a random list of five albums that I picked up this year and haven’t put down yet.
Katatonia - Dethroned and Uncrowned. Brooding with the dark elegance that Katatonia is renowned for, Dethroned embarks on a journey to reimagine the entire Dead End Kings album, stripping each track its gothic bones and building layers back up, gently guided by Jonas Renske sweet croon. The softer and more delicate that Katatonia’s sounds become the heavier they feel. Here’s hoping they bring their Dethroned tour to the US in 2014.
Soilwork - The Living Infinite. It’s hard to deny the ambition of Soilwork’s latest - a 20-song effort that showcases their driving, hard Swedish metal sound, tinged with subtle nods to some of the black and doom sounds that surely have served to influence them over the years. No, they didn’t need to put out such a lengthy record and certainly took a risk by doing so. Over the span of 20 songs, you could forgive (and probably expect) things to go soft somewhere around the middle. Hell, plenty of bands do it over of the course of 12 songs. Fortunately, Soilwork churn through each and every song with intent and passion, ensuring enough hooks and aggression to keep you battered track after track.
Amorphis - Circle. Departing from the epic Finnish folklore that served at the basis for past album, Amorphis choose to create their story with this year’s Circle. Blast beats, folk-tinged flourishes, and Tomi’s brutal growl make this a complete Amorphis album. The Finnish group continues to demonstrate the prowess and energy that years of crafting death metal can produce. The album is dense and rich, as the guitars are pushed forward, leaving the vocal to tear through the curtains - which Tomi achieves through guttural growls and distinctive harmonies.
DevilDriver - Winter Kills. I will be forever drawn to DevilDriver’s music. There’s something about the swagger and blistering rage that erupts throughout each song. Every album offers hints of different influences or directions that they could take, while swerving down the line of pummeling American death metal. Their relentless touring schedule means there’s always an opportunity to see how they do it all live and how songs, both new and old, consistently swirl into an inevitable circle pit.
Windhand - Soma. I read the reviews when this album was released and was intrigued enough to pick it up for myself. Soma is dark, dirty, and immensely isolating. The sound is gritty and scratches deeper with each passage. The repeated riff structures batter against you like a relentless wave, picking up the debris and sand from the ocean floor and showering it against your cold, bare skin. And while there is little daylight in this place, there is beauty buried beneath the noise. Just let it wash over you, to cleanse the ache away and start over again.
Time moves quickly and so
does music. Judging by the gaps in my blog posts, I'm obviously having a hard
time keeping up. Truth is, life is more important than tossing together some
words and my writing is forced to yield to events beyond the keyboard. But that's
a good thing. Without experiences, I'd having nothing to write about - and this
year has been a good one, so far. Now, with the fall season creeping in, I
might find a little more keyboard time, in between sips of pumpkin lattes and
hot chocolate, of course.
Periodically, over the last
year or so, a friend of mine has allowed to me crash in on his blog "Saturday Morning Playlist." Please check out his website and other work: Stacking Stones. Jason
is a writing and educator, and, like me, has always held a deep passion for
music and it's ability to transcend meaning beyond just notes
and words.
Here are a couple of my
metal-flavored posts from the past months:
DevilDriver
“Sail” AWOLNation cover
DevilDriver is a punishing
metal band hailing from California (and damn proud of it, too). Frontman, Dez
Farfara (who led the 90’s metal band Coal Chamber and gained fame touring with
Ozzy Osbourne in the heyday of the Ozzfest music festival) leads a power groove
metal machine that has churned out six records and a relentless touring
schedule over the last decade. Their shows are driven by pounding drums,
wailing guitars, and palpable energy from their electrifying vocalist. Circle
pits are synonymous with DevilDriver and their live shows, whether out in a
dusty field or in a cramped club.
The music is loud, the
vocals are ferocious, and the lyrics are empowering. Themes of doing what it
takes to survive, living life to the fullest, and knowing how to pick your
battles are common themes among Dez’s lyrics. Though he’s a self-described
introvert, Dez actively engages with his fans at shows and via social media, he
is proud of life, his family, and his music.
DevilDriver has a habit of
throwing cover songs into their studio albums, including a faithful version of
Iron Maiden’s “Wasted Years.” On their latest album, they turned to the
airwaves of pop rock for a cover of AWOLNation's “Sail.” I admit I had no prior
knowledge of this song or the band, but like any good listener, I was eager to
expand my horizons. With delicate strings balanced by gritty electronica and
distorted vocals the darkly tragic original version highlights the internal
struggle of human nature. DevilDriver’s metal groove machine provides a brutal
contrast while preserving, and even heightening, the desperation driven by
Dez’s frantic growl. The songs swings and stomps, it rattles the cage, grabs
you by the collar and forces you listen to the desparate cries. Living with ADD
since childhood, you get the sense that Dez connects with the lyrics and is
eager to connect with you. There is power in the lyrics that is showcased
equally by each band, demonstrating the universality of the messages that music
can convey, regardless of genre.
"This is how an angel
dies, I blame it on my own sick pride, blame it on the the ADD, baby"
In general, metalheads are
resigned to the fact that the music on their iPods isn't likely to make waves
in popular music in America. However, without a lick of ‘clean’ vocals,
DevilDriver’s newest, Winter Kills, debuted at #32 on the Billboard Top
40, a position for the week that had them sitting between Pink and Daft Punk.
And so the California groove machine rolls on.
DevilDriver - “Sail”
AWOLNation - “Sail”
Katatonia
“Buildings”
Katatonia weaves haunting melodies with
a sound heavily influenced by the gothic and doom metal scenes of their native
Sweden. For more than twenty years, they have crafted dark, chilling work with
an air of elegance and danger, with vocalist Jonas Renske’s croon serving as
the hinge and counterpoint for distorted guitar riffs and double-bass
percussion. In 2012, they released a new record, Dead End Kings, which
again displayed their strength in songwriting and performance. Dark and broody,
the entire album oozes with a power that is both haunting and beautiful. As if
that wasn’t enough, the band re-record the entire album a year later. Dethroned
& Uncrowned takes the same songs from Dead End Kings and strips
them bare. This is not merely an acoustic album. Instead, the band has
remastered each track, removing layer upon layer until they reached down to the
soul and built it up again to reimagine the very essence of each song. It’s an
intriguing idea and Katatonia executed it flawless, creating another compete
work with appeal to both die-hard fans and newcomers alike, which stands firmly
on its own.
“Buildings” is one of my favorite
tracks from both albums. The Kings version is typical of Katatonia’s
gothic, emotive sound, swiftly crushing you under the weight of grinding
guitars which part only slightly for Renske’s tender, determined singing. It’s
a song that works well to open the Kings album and plays beautifully
live. The bridge, three quarters through the song, maintains a subtle sense of
urgency while building to the raucous chorus.
For the Dethroned version, the
heaviness is wiped away. In contrast to the original, piano and vocal harmony
stand proud, yielding only slightly to intertwining guitars. The bridge section
in this version is particular haunting, with the piano and vocals, returning to
the forefront to continue playing a sinister game. The addition of strings and
accessory percussion complete the layering of sound.
Recording an album to a high caliber
like Dead End Kings is challenging enough for a band, but Katatonia
expertly execute the reinvention of their vision for Dethroned &
Uncrowned. Not only do I listen to both albums on their own, but also this
experiment allows me to hear the ideas side-by-side, comparing the differences
in approach, textures, and feelings that each style brings forward. Overall,
truly a crowning achievement that is worth much time on heavy rotation - for
both records.
Buildings (Dead End Kings, live)
Buildings (Dethroned & Uncrowned)
Filter
“We Hate It When You Get What You
Wanted”
I’ve been keeping up with Filter for
many years now, following frontman and creative captain, Richard Patrick from
breakout albums Short Bus and Title of Record, to some lesser known, like Amalgamut and Soldiers Of Misfortune. Filter has had a resurgence of late. A
number of 90’s rock and alternative bands have gone on tour recently. Bush,
Everclear, and Stone Temple Pilots (now with Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington
at the helm) have taken to the road and reminded us of 90's rock - formative
listening years for me, personally.
Filter hasn’t missed a beat either and
in addition to constant touring, Richard Patrick has released two albums in the
last 3 years with dynamic guitarist Johnny Radke (of Kill Hannah) and
powerhouse bassist Phil Buckman. Filter has never felt so alive and current,
while staying true the sound that Richard Patrick created 20 years ago.
Influenced by his days playing guitar
for Nine Inch Nails, Patrick has always sprinkled his records with a healthy
dose of electronica, like on the popular "(Can You) Trip Like I Do,"
and he does so again on the stellar opening track of this year’s The Sun
Comes Out Tonight. "We Hate It When You Get What You Wanted"
stumps and struts behind Radke’s boomerang guitar work. Patrick’s biting lyrics
are perfectly in harmony with the electronic beeps and buzzes that envelope the
track.
In this day we are surrounded by
whatever fantasy people post on the internet. Well, you know what? We don’t
care. And this song feels like an appropriate response to all the garbage
constantly bombarding our senses. We don’t care about your perfect life or
whatever you’re trying to pass it off as. On this song it seems Richard Patrick
is calling bullshit. You can’t possibly be everything you claim.
This is the kind of song that you
listen to with a swagger in your step, pumping your fist with your middle
finger in the air. Your pretty, plastic world is nothing to be proud of, so, as
the songs says, just "sit yourself down!"
I want to take you back in time a bit - to the 90's. And I know what you're thinking: ‘ugh, why the 90’s?’ or 'hey, I could be watching cat videos right now,' but just stay with me... Every decade claims highs and lows in music. In terms of rock, we witnessed power metal giving way to grunge and then the myriad of sub genres that would follow into the turn of the century. For me, it was a time in which radio heavily influenced my taste - in part because the radio was free and because I didn't have money of my own to purchase music. I had to save a lot pennies to buy my first CD player, let along all the music I wanted to play on it. As I explored more music, I leaned toward louder and heavier. Coal Chamber played a big part in my musical education.
When I heard that Coal Chamber was getting back together for shows in Australia, I was more than a bit excited. Coal Chamber was one of the first bands to introduce me to dark, heavy music. I had their CDs and had to copy their music onto cassette tapes for my car. I don't remember the first time I heard a Coal Chamber tune, but I can still picture that recordable cassette tape, its clear plastic case, white label and two words scrawled as neatly as I could manage: "Coal Chamber." There was nothing better than driving around after school with the windows down, blasting "Loco" as loud as my pithy speakers could handle. And it didn’t matter who was driving with me - I assumed everyone needed to experience this music. After they disbanded, I faithfully followed lead singer Dez Fafara to Devildriver and that opened my world to so many other bands.
After much hype and anticipation, a US tour was announced, and I didn’t hesitate in buy my tickets for their show in Worcester with Lacuna Coil and Sevendust. Following Dez and the rest of the band on Twitter gives you a sense that these guys are friends and love playing together. Perhaps time can heal many wounds. This seemed like so much more than a band’s reunion tour. In fact, don’t even call it a reunion tour. Coal Chamber picks up with the songs they left us with all those years ago and takes it a another level
From Chela Rhea Harper's taunt opening bass riff on “Loco” to the final chorus of “Sway,” Dez and co put on an utterly transformative show. I’m going to say it... This may have been one the best shows of any band that I have ever seen. They sounded great, which at the Worcester Palladium can be a challenge. Somehow Dez's vocals overcome all obstacles and he commands a stage like few others can. He shares his love, his thoughts, and his life with his fans - asking only for their electric energy in return. Meegs Rascon's eerie guitar work and Mike Cox's thunderous drumming brought to life songs that have sat mostly idle for more than a decade. I'd go as far to say that new life has been infused - these songs sounded like they came from an album released this year - with all the affect and emotion of a band passionately playing the music they love and tearing the place apart in the process. Most of set came from tracks of their first and third albums, but I was happy to hear “Not Living” and “No Home,” off of Chamber Music. Nothing left out and nothing held back. As it should be.
Well, musically, 2012 had some good stuff (an attempt to make up for the rest of the year, perhaps). Here's hoping for a better 2013 and some good music, too:
DevilDriver
DevilDriver #6 is currently underway. The follow-up to Beast promises to be as punishing as ever. It's amazing these guys have time for new material given their relentless touring. I'm not complaining, having seen them a handful of time over the last couple if years. If the past is any indication, the next record will be blistering on CD and on stage - make way for the groove machine.
Black Sabbath
The first new Black Sabbath songs in years?! This is something every metal head has been waiting for. The grandfathers of doom, death, and progressive metal are set to return with a new album in 2013. All hail the kings!
Filter
Richard Patrick, founder and driving force behind Filter, as been doing things his way since the band's early days. Filter's last album was a return to form with the catchy riffs, soaring choruses, and dark lyrics that make this an enduring band. This new record, the follow-up to The Trouble With Angels, reminds the front man of Title of a Record and that is a very good thing.
Soilwork
Soilwork has been working on new material for their next album. With a recently released track, it's clear that the trademark guitar attack and vocalist Speed's gruff howl and melodic croon are in full effect. I've got a few of Soilwork's previous records, each with outstanding tracks, so the new record has a lot to prove and there is no doubt that they are up to the task.
Behemoth
Behemoth promises to return in 2013 with the best material and stage show yet - and that is saying something given their awesome tour this year. Lead singer Adam Darski released his autobiography this year and there's rumor of an English version in the near future.
Tool
Pioneers of American progressive metal in the 90s and early 00s Tool is roumored to be working on their 5th major release, the follow-up to 10,000 Days. It will interesting to hear what they have to offer the prog metal/rock genre and their die-hard fans.
Ah yes, it’s Halloween again. The air is brisk, the nights have grown darker and longer, and it’s time to prepare for those little trick-or-treaters to come around begging for your Kit-Kat bars. Right about now you’re digging through the closet of decorations looking for that dusty old cassette tape of ‘scary’ Halloween sounds. Right, because nothing says ‘Halloween horror’ like the muted sounds of creaking doors, hissing cats, and fake footstep wafting out from behind the bushes. In my opinion, toss out that tape and put something a little more metal for your Halloween. With any luck you’ll scare away the little children, annoy your neighbors, and have all of that candy for yourself.
As always, I’m only using song that I own. And no, you won’t find “Werewolves Of London” or “Monster Mash” on this list, so don’t even ask...
1. Marylin Manson – “This Is Halloween” Marylin Manson covers the opening song of Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas, adding another layer of creepiness to Danny Elfman’s original.
2. Rob Zombie – “Dragula,” “Living Dead Girl,” “Superbeast,” the list goes on… Rob Zombie is the architect of the best scary, hypnotic metal and as the director of House Of 1000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects, he is the master of Halloween metal.
3. Opeth – “Demon Of The Fall” Mikeal Akerfedt and company unleash the growls and pummeling beats of Sweden’s best death metal. “Grapsing for another breath / She rose, screaming at the close doors / Seductive faint mist forging / Through the cracks in the wall”
4. DevilDriver – “Monsters Of The Deep,” “Swinging the Dead” Dez Fafara’s unearthly growls gives life and death to DevilDriver’s most monsterous tunes.
5. Ghost Brigade – “Clawmaster” Another death metal band from Sweden, Ghost Brigade lives up it’s name with eerily deep vocals, slow doom rhythm, and ferocious growls. The video for Clasmaster is perfect for your Halloween night.
6. Black Sabbath – “Children Of The Grave” No night of doom and gloom is complete without Black Sabbath. Enough said. 7. Katatonia – “Ghost Of The Sun” Katatonia’s brand of moody metal sets the stage for a night of walking through a misty graveyard.
8. Isis – “Hall Of The Dead” When the world ends, the sounds of Isis will be playing. Their brutally raw metal conjures images of the apocalypse.
9. A Storm Of Light – “Death’s Head” Another dirty, doom metal band, A Storm Of Light shares similarities with bands like Isis, Neurosis, and Ghost Brigade. Dense vocals supported by crushing guitars, these metallers will leave your trick-or-treaters quivering in their little costumes.
10. Slipknot – “Tattered And Torn” A circus can be scary, especially when the soundtrack is supplied by nine crazy dudes in jumpsuits. It sounds like a circus from hell that would be well at home in a Stephen King novel.
“Am I I” – Dark Tranquillity. This is a song that looks inwardly, questioning the roles and purpose one has in this world. It’s not so much that I’m a constantly conflicted person. I just wondering what I all means as I struggle to find my place.
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
“It’s Been Awhile” – Staind. I’ve lost all feeling for Staind’s radio-engineered brand of depressing rock. I first discovered one of their songs on a sampler CD and bought Dysfunction. It was dark and heavy, that style of so-called nu-metal that bands were developing. And I followed Staind’s sound to the radio, but after a while the sounds became stale.
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio
The what now? Radio...? Sorry, I try to listen to the radio once and while. Honestly, it doesn’t do anything for me. There’s no metal on the radio, especially in New England. I don’t mind listening to good classic rock station, but they tend to play the same hit songs. I’m pretty sure bands like Pink Floyd, Rush, Black Sabbath, etc wrote more than 3 or 4 songs. Fortunately, satellite radio offers a lot more choices and provides a place for music that isn’t on the Billboard Top 10.
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio
“Black Soul Choir” – DevilDriver. Possibly one of more catchy tracks from DevilDriver, this 16 Horsepower cover stomps and swaggers to Dez Farfara’s throat wrenching snarl. You can’t help bouncing your head along to the sinister groove. Honestly, I’d just like to hear any DevilDriver on the radio… a guy’s allowed to dream, right?
day 19 - a song from your favorite album
“Judith” – A Perfect Circle. A tenacious track from 1999’s Mer De Noms about the perils of blind faith and the justification of your own beliefs. The song captures the dirty angst in guitarist Billy Howerdel’s slide guitar and the raw emotion of singer Maynard James Keenan. This stands out as one of their best tracks and offers a perfect counterpoint to the melancholy despair of tracks like “3 Libras” and “Brena.”
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry
“Boom!” – System Of A Down. This song always ramps me up. The perfect thing to listen to when you’re already pissed off. This song is about the flagrant injustices forced on the people of this earth by those few who hold all the power. The video was filmed during a day of peace marches around the world. The message here is simple – we demand peace!
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy
“Holographic Universe” – Scar Symmetry. When you’re happy and you know it listen to Swedish death metal. I love the prog elements in Scar Symmetry’s ferocious sound, especially the 9+ minute “Holographic Universe” with its death growls, rapid thrash riffs, and spacey synths.
A Perfect Circle's "Judith":
Next week is the last week for the 30 Days Song Challenge.
I saw the page 30 Days Song Challenge on Facebook and decided to try it. The rules appear simple enough, but I didn’t want to try to remember to post something every day so I decided to write a blog for each week. I promise to only use songs from my own iTunes library.
So here goes – the first 7 days:
day 01 - your favorite song
“End Of The Line” – DevilDriver. This song, off of their second album, starts very assumingly before exploding into an all-out earth-shattering, hang-banging, thrash fest. From singer Dez Farfara’s guttural screams to the sick guitar breakdowns, I knew that DevilDriver had found their sound and that this was really the beginning of something epic. After 8 years they’re still going and getting strong with each song.
day 02 - your least favorite song
“Disasterpiece” – Slipknot. Honestly, it’s not this song in particular, but I just couldn’t get into Slipknot’s second album, Iowa. I still go back, listen to their first CD, and am blown away by how far they pushed the boundaries. The influence of that album can still be felt more than a decade later (and rightfully so). But for me, Iowa falls a bit flat.
day 03 - a song that makes you happy
“Sky Is Mine” – Amorphis. With punchy riffs, sick keyboards, and epic vocals this song gets me going and make me smile. The energy and emotion is incredible. There’s something about Amorphis’ style that makes the sun shine brighter and the world challenges seem attainable. “This is sky is mine, this sun is mine, this fate is mine.”
day 04 - a song that makes you sad
“Angel’s Son” – Sevendust. This is a tribute to Lynn Strait, singer of the band Snot, who was killed in a car accident along with his dog in 1998. The music video includes members of Strait’s band and his mother. There’s a great scene where they start a bon fire and are joined by a parade of members of the rock community like Dez Farfara (Coal Chamber), Brandon Boyd (Incubus), and Shavo Odadjian (System of a Down).
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone
“Ballad Of A Thin Man” – Bob Dylan. This song reminds me of everyone who just doesn’t get it. Those who fail to realize the life around them and the life outside of familiarity and reason.
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere
“Live Your Life (Down)” – Tantric. This always reminds me of driving back and forth from college to home on I-80 in Pennsylvania. I’d put on this CD, among others, and sing along to pass the time. Now whenever this song comes up I can picture the long stretch of highway with trees and cows flying by the side of the road.
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event
“Surprise Valley” – Widespread Panic. This was one of the songs that we had played at our wedding, during the part when you’re formally introduced to everyone at the reception. I think we covered 50 years of music and half a dozen genres for our wedding. That’s the way music should be.
Serj’s second solo album and 4-song remix showcase his brilliantly quirky musical side. While not as metal (or even as rock) as his first album, Elect The Dead , this one is full of electronic sounds, catchy choruses, and poignant lyrics. I find myself listening to “Gate 21” on repeat. The ablum version uses mostly piano to accompany Serj’s emotional lyrics. The remixed rock version steps up the tempo and Tom Morello (Audioslave, Rage Against The Machine) adds his signature punchy guitar work. Other highlights include the dance-beat laden “Borders Are…” and the ballad “Wings Of Summer.” Serj sings “Yes, It’s Genocide” entirely in Armenia, refers specifically to the Armenia genocide of 1915 for which Turkey has not yet formally recognized. This is album is a musical journey and Serj is a brilliant guide.
Scar Symmetry – Holographic Universe
Scar Symmetry is a new band to me. I just got one of their more recent albums, Holographic Universe. It’s what I expect and love from Swedish melodic death metal. There’s plenty of heaviness mixed with soaring choruses, and high-energy vocals. I’d say that Scar Symmetry has a bit of prog to their sound as well. There’s just enough Dream Theatre influence to differentiate them from other bands without going over the top. I’ve heard that Scar Symmetry is getting a new singer, so I’m interested to see how their sound evolves. For now, Holographic Universe delivers the metal you need.
News and Tours:
There are rumors about a new music from A Perfect Circle. In the fall, APC played several shows, back-to-back, in a handful of cities. Each night they played one of their three albums start to finish. This summer’s tour is more extensive and highly anticipated. When A Perfect Circle emerged in the late 90’s they were one of the original ‘Super Groups,’ comprising members from several already famous bands (Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, and Josh Freese, who plays drums for everyone). The term super group seems ridiculous since bands constantly trade members or form other groups. Whatever you call them, I hope A Perfect Circle continues on.
Acrassicauda has embarked on their first us tour. Acrassicauda is an Iraqi thrash metal band. After leaving Iraq (where metal can get you killed) they're spreading their punishing sound across the US. Aggressive, technical, and lyrically intense (not surprisingly), their 4 song EP Only The Dead See The End Of War is dark and awesome. You must check out this band!
DevilDriver is out on tour with Danzig in support of their 5th studio album, Beast. I’ve been following lead singer Dez Farfara on Twitter and the shows have been met with awesome fan feedback. I’m looking forward to seeing them in July! Check out my review of Beast: http://greenchamberstudio.blogspot.com/2011/02/evolution-of-beast.html
System Of A Down have started their reunion tour. I’m glad to see them back. I don’t know if there will be any new music coming soon, but at the very least I’d like them to come to the East Coast!
Valet Parn is a metal band from Greece. Check out their album. They’re on tour with long-time Greek death metalers, Septic Flesh (who also just released a new album, their seventh).
“Throw at me what you got, ‘cause I will break free, of all the webs that bind me” DevilDriver, Dead To Rights.
Last week, DevilDriver released their fifth album, Beast. I’d been looking forward to this for months, catching updates and feedback on Facebook. Somehow I resisted the sneak-peek of new tracks and videos. I wanted to go into this one completely blind. It was worth the wait.
With every new album, DevilDriver brings something else. You will find another layer, another hook, another level of ferocity. I’ve been a fan of singer Dez from his Coal Chamber days and I was excited when I heard he was starting a new band. DevilDriver is a departure in style from Coal Chamber and it was one of my first forays into real death metal. Since the first album, they’ve continually progressed and evolved. Just when you think that they’re as heavy as possible the next CD proves you wrong. DevilDriver is an insatiable Beast.
Dead To Rights kicks off the CD, beginning with pummeling drums and a gnarly guitar hook. You have to wait for the vocals. I can imagine Dez grinning wildly just before flying full on into the melee. This track is indicative of the rest of the songs: unrelenting intensity, punishing vocals, tech drumming, and more than a few surprises. The breakdowns are more intricate. They divert your attention for just a moment before the next riff takes your head off. This is a runaway truck and there’s a madman at the wheel. Check out the solo work in Coldblooded, the stomping breakdown in Blur, or the devious out-section of Crowns of Creation.
When you peel back the layers of sounds and get down to Dez’s lyrics, you’ll find a consistent pattern. It’s easy to overlook the details or make ignorant assessments. Aside from the beautiful chaos and head banging bliss, there is equal power in what DevilDriver has to say. These songs are about facing adversity and rising up against negativity. Sure, bad things happen to everyone. But you have to get up, dust yourself off, and keep on going. And if you’re not with him you’re against him and you’d better get out of the way. Sometimes you can’t help others until you’ve exorcised your own demons. Struggle and triumph can each bring hope.
Dez exclaims that he loves this and he wants to do it forever. I certain hope he does. The rest of us will be here, fists in the air, cheering and moshing all the way. With Beast, DevilDriver unleashed a true monster. They’ve outdone themselves completely and I can’t imagine what more they could bring us. Then again, I’ve said that before. This is rock. This is life. What are you listening to?
